Electronic device including air vent

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a housing including an opening, a first cover that is disposed in the housing to close the opening and includes a first surface facing the outside and a second surface facing an internal space of the housing, at least one air vent that is formed from the first surface to the second surface in at least some region of the first cover to connect the outside of the electronic device to the internal space and includes a first space formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the first surface to the second surface, and a second space formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the second surface to the first surface, wherein the first space and the second space are connected so as to partially overlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when the first surface is viewed from above, and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the second space in the second surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2020-0010895, filed onJan. 30, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including an air vent.More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electronic deviceincluding an air vent formed in the cover, housing, or window to removethe air pressure difference between a sealed internal space of theelectronic device and an external environment by inducing an air flow.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

As the functional gap between manufacturers is significantly reduced,electronic devices are becoming slimmer to meet consumer's purchasingneeds. In addition, electronic devices are being upgraded by increasingrigidity, enhancing design aspects, and differentiating their functions.As part of functional differentiation, an electronic device may have awaterproof function. This waterproof function can extend the life of theelectronic device by preventing the inflow of moisture and/or foreignsubstances from the outside, but side effects due to the sealedstructure need to be reduced as well.

The above information is presented as background information only toassist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination hasbeen made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the abovemight be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

An electronic device may have a waterproof structure to prevent theinflow of moisture and/or foreign substances from the outside. Forexample, the electronic device may have an internal space sealed fromthe external space through a waterproof member (e.g., a waterproof tape)disposed between at least one cover (e.g., a front cover and/or a rearcover) and a side frame (e.g., a side member or a side bezel structure).Due to the sealed space, there may be an air pressure difference betweenthe internal space of the electronic device and the outside. Such an airpressure difference may cause a malfunction, such as fogging on thewindow (e.g., a display window, a camera window, or a sensor window), anoperation failure of the air pressure sensor, or a poor restoration ofthe receiver diaphragm in a low frequency band. To address this issue,the electronic device may include at least one air vent formed in thecover, housing, or window to remove the air pressure difference betweenthe sealed internal space of the electronic device and the externalenvironment by inducing an air flow. This air vent may maintain awaterproof function by means of a breathable waterproof member (e.g.,Gore-Tex) that passes air and blocks moisture and/or foreign substancesin the internal space of the electronic device.

However, the breathable waterproof member is vulnerable to impact, andmay be torn or damaged by the water pressure of incoming moisture (e.g.,water stream) and thus the waterproof function may be lost.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to providean electronic device including an air vent.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the presented embodiments

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device isprovided. The electronic device includes an air vent that is configuredto prevent damage to the waterproof member by reducing the waterpressure.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided. The electronic device includes an air vent that hasa structure for not only reducing the water pressure but also inducing asmooth air flow.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided. The electronic device includes a housing includingan opening connected to an internal space, a first cover that isdisposed in the housing to close the opening and includes a firstsurface facing an outside and a second surface facing the internalspace, at least one air vent that is formed from the first surface tothe second surface in at least some region of the first cover to connectthe outside of the electronic device to the internal space and includesa first space formed to have a specified depth in a direction from thefirst surface to the second surface, and a second space formed to have aspecified depth in a direction from the second surface to the firstsurface, wherein the first space and the second space are connected soas to partially overlap each other or so as not to overlap each otherwhen the first surface is viewed from above, and a breathable waterproofmember disposed to close the second space in the second surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided. The electronic device includes a housing thatincludes a sealed internal space, a first surface in contact with theoutside, and a second surface in contact with the internal space, atleast one air vent that is formed from the first surface to the secondsurface in at least some region of the housing to connect the outside ofthe electronic device and the internal space and includes a first spaceformed to have a specified depth in a direction from the first surfaceto the second surface, and a second space formed to have a specifieddepth in a direction from the second surface to the first surface,wherein the first space and the second space are connected so as topartially overlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when thefirst surface is viewed from above, and a breathable waterproof memberdisposed to close the second space in the second surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronicdevice is provided. The electronic device includes a housing thatincludes a front plate, a rear plate spaced apart from the front plateand including an opening, and a side frame surrounding an internal spacebetween the front plate and the rear plate, at least one camera devicearranged in the internal space, a cover that is disposed on the rearplate to close the opening and includes a first surface facing theoutside, a second surface facing the internal space, and at least onethrough hole formed at a position corresponding to the at least onecamera device, the at least one air vent that is formed from the firstsurface to the second surface in at least some region of the cover toconnect the outside of the electronic device to the internal space andincludes a first space formed to have a specified depth in a directionfrom the first surface to the second surface, and a second space formedto have a specified depth in a direction from the second surface to thefirst surface, wherein the first space and the second space areconnected so as to partially overlap each other or so as not to overlapeach other when the first surface is viewed from above, the at least oneair vent including a first air vent and a second air vent, a windowattached to the cover through an adhesive tape to cover the at least oneair vent, a connection passage that is formed on the adhesive tape andconnects the outside of the electronic device to the at least one airvent through a space between the window and the cover and includes afirst passage connected to the outside, a second passage branching fromthe first passage and connected to the first air vent, and a thirdpassage branching from the first passage and connected to the second airvent, and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the secondspace in the second surface.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an electronic device of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an electronic deviceillustrating a cover assembly structure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a partial view of an electronic device including a connectionpassage of an adhesive member connected to an air vent according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device viewedfrom a line 5 b-5 b in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device viewedfrom a line 6-6 in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of an electronic device illustrating aconnection passage structure of an adhesive member connected to an airvent according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are partial cross-sectional views of anelectronic device including an air vent according to various embodimentsof the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic deviceincluding an air vent according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of thedisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a front surface of amobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure,and FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view illustrating a rear surface ofthe mobile electronic device shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodimentof the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mobile electronic device 100 may include ahousing 110 that includes a first surface (or front surface) 110A, asecond surface (or rear surface) 110B, and a lateral surface 110C thatsurrounds a space between the first surface 110A and the second surface110B. The housing 110 may refer to a structure that forms a part of thefirst surface 110A, the second surface 110B, and the lateral surface110C. The first surface 110A may be formed of a front plate 102 (e.g., aglass plate or polymer plate coated with a variety of coating layers) atleast a part of which is substantially transparent. The second surface110B may be formed of a rear plate 111 which is substantially opaque.The rear plate 111 may be formed of, for example, coated or coloredglass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS),or magnesium), or any combination thereof. The lateral surface 110C maybe formed of a lateral bezel structure (or “lateral member”) 118 whichis combined with the front plate 102 and the rear plate 111 and includesa metal and/or polymer. The rear plate 111 and the lateral bezelstructure 118 may be integrally formed and may be of the same material(e.g., a metallic material, such as aluminum).

The front plate 102 may include two first regions 110D disposed at longedges thereof, respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from thefirst surface 110A toward the rear plate 111. Similarly, the rear plate111 may include two second regions 110E disposed at long edges thereof,respectively, and bent and extended seamlessly from the second surface110B toward the front plate 102. The front plate 102 (or the rear plate111) may include only one of the first regions 110D (or of the secondregions 110E). The first regions 110D or the second regions 110E may beomitted in part. When viewed from a lateral side of the mobileelectronic device 100, the lateral bezel structure 118 may have a firstthickness (or width) on a lateral side where the first region 110D orthe second region 110E is not included, and may have a second thickness,being less than the first thickness, on another lateral side where thefirst region 110D or the second region 110E is included.

The mobile electronic device 100 may include at least one of a display101, audio modules 103, 107 and 114, sensor modules 104 and 119, cameramodules 105, 112 and 113, a key input device 117, a light emittingdevice, and connector holes 108 and 109. The mobile electronic device100 may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device 117 or the lightemitting device) of the above components, or may further include othercomponents.

The display 101 may be exposed through a substantial portion of thefront plate 102, for example. At least a part of the display 101 may beexposed through the front plate 102 that forms the first surface 110Aand the first region 110D of the lateral surface 110C. Outlines (i.e.,edges and corners) of the display 101 may have substantially the sameform as those of the front plate 102. The spacing between the outline ofthe display 101 and the outline of the front plate 102 may besubstantially unchanged in order to enlarge the exposed area of thedisplay 101.

A recess or opening may be formed in a portion of a display area of thedisplay 101 to accommodate at least one of the audio module 114, thesensor module 104, the camera module 105, and the light emitting device.At least one of the audio module 114, the sensor module 104, the cameramodule 105, a fingerprint sensor (not shown), and the light emittingelement may be disposed on the back of the display area of the display101. The display 101 may be combined with, or adjacent to, a touchdetection circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the touchstrength (pressure), and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen. Atleast a part of the sensor modules 104 and 119 and/or at least a part ofthe key input device 117 may be disposed in the first region 110D and/orthe second region 110E.

The audio modules 103, 107 and 114 may correspond to a microphone hole103 and speaker holes 107 and 114, respectively. The microphone hole 103may contain a microphone disposed therein for acquiring external soundsand, in a case, contain a plurality of microphones to detect a sounddirection. The speaker holes 107 and 114 may be classified into anexternal speaker hole 107 and a call receiver hole 114. The microphonehole 103 and the speaker holes 107 and 114 may be implemented as asingle hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) may be providedwithout the speaker holes 107 and 114.

The sensor modules 104 and 119 may generate electrical signals or datacorresponding to an internal operating state of the mobile electronicdevice 100 or to an external environmental condition. The sensor modules104 and 119 may include a first sensor module 104 (e.g., a proximitysensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor)disposed on the first surface 110A of the housing 110, and/or a thirdsensor module 119 (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) and/or afourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the secondsurface 110B of the housing 110. The fingerprint sensor may be disposedon the second surface 110B as well as the first surface 110A (e.g., thedisplay 101) of the housing 110. The mobile electronic device 100 mayfurther include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an airpressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gripsensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules 105, 112 and 113 may include a first camera device105 disposed on the first surface 110A of the mobile electronic device100, and a second camera device 112 and/or a flash 113 disposed on thesecond surface 110B. The camera module 105 or the camera module 112 mayinclude one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signalprocessor. The flash 113 may include, for example, a light emittingdiode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angleand telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side ofthe mobile electronic device 100.

The key input device 117 may be disposed on the lateral surface 110C ofthe housing 110. The mobile electronic device 100 may not include someor all of the key input device 117 described above, and the key inputdevice 117 which is not included may be implemented in another form,such as a soft key on the display 101. The key input device 117 mayinclude the sensor module disposed on the second surface 110B of thehousing 110.

The light emitting device may be disposed on the first surface 110A ofthe housing 110. For example, the light emitting device may providestatus information of the mobile electronic device 100 in an opticalform. The light emitting device may provide a light source associatedwith the operation of the camera module 105. The light emitting devicemay include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), an IR LED, or axenon lamp.

The connector holes 108 and 109 may include a first connector hole 108adapted for a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector)for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an externalelectronic device, and/or a second connector hole 109 adapted for aconnector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting and receiving anaudio signal to and from an external electronic device.

Some sensor modules 105 of camera modules 105 and 212, some sensormodules 104 of sensor modules 104 and 119, or an indicator may bearranged to be exposed through a display 101. For example, the cameramodule 105, the sensor module 104, or the indicator may be arranged inthe internal space of the mobile electronic device 100 so as to bebrought into contact with an external environment through an opening ofthe display 101, which is perforated up to a front plate 102. In anotherembodiment of the disclosure, some sensor modules 104 may be arranged toperform their functions without being visually exposed through the frontplate 102 in the internal space of the electronic device. For example,in this case, an area of the display 101 facing the sensor module maynot require a perforated opening.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view illustrating a mobileelectronic device shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device 300 (e.g., mobile electronicdevice 100 in FIG. 1) may include a lateral bezel structure 310, a firstsupport member 311 (e.g., a bracket), a front plate 320, a display 330,an electromagnetic induction panel (not shown), a printed circuit board(PCB) 340, a battery 350, a second support member 360 (e.g., a rearcase), an antenna 370, and a rear plate 380. The electronic device 300may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member 311 or the secondsupport member 360) of the above components or may further includeanother component. Some components of the electronic device 300 may bethe same as or similar to those of the mobile electronic device 100shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, thus, descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first support member 311 is disposed inside the electronic device300 and may be connected to, or integrated with, the lateral bezelstructure 310. The first support member 311 may be formed of, forexample, a metallic material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer)material. The first support member 311 may be combined with the display330 at one side thereof and also combined with the printed circuit board(PCB) 340 at the other side thereof. On the PCB 340, a processor, amemory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include,for example, one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an imagesignal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communicationsprocessor (CP).

The memory may include, for example, one or more of a volatile memoryand a non-volatile memory.

The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimediainterface (HDMI), a USB interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface,and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physicallyconnect the electronic device 300 with an external electronic device andmay include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector,or an audio connector.

The battery 350 is a device for supplying power to at least onecomponent of the electronic device 300, and may include, for example, anon-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or afuel cell. At least a part of the battery 350 may be disposed onsubstantially the same plane as the PCB 340. The battery 350 may beintegrally disposed within the electronic device 300, and may bedetachably disposed from the electronic device 300.

The antenna 370 may be disposed between the rear plate 380 and thebattery 350. The antenna 370 may include, for example, a near fieldcommunication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or amagnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna 370 may performshort-range communication with an external device, or transmit andreceive power required for charging wirelessly. An antenna structure maybe formed by a part or combination of the lateral bezel structure 310and/or the first support member 311.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronicdevice 300 may include at least one electronic component (e.g., cameramodule or sensor module) disposed in the internal space to detect ormonitor the external environment. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the electronic components may detect or monitor the external environmentthrough an opening 3801 formed on the rear plate 380, and the opening3801 may be sealed by at least one cover (e.g., decorative member orwindow).

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an electronic deviceillustrating a cover assembly structure according to an embodiment ofthe disclosure.

The electronic device 300 of FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar tothe mobile electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 or 2, or may further includeother embodiments of an electronic device.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 300 may include a rear plate380 (e.g., rear cover) including an opening 3801, a first cover 400sealing the opening 3801, a second cover 600 disposed on the first cover400, and an adhesive member 500 attaching the second cover 600 to thefirst cover 400. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the electronicdevice 300 may include at least one electronic component (e.g., cameramodule 112 or sensor module 119 in FIG. 2) disposed in the internalspace. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one electroniccomponent may be disposed to detect the external environment through thefirst cover 400 sealing the opening 3801 of the rear plate 380 and thesecond cover 600.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the first cover 400 mayinclude a plate part 410 formed to have substantially the same size asthe opening 3801, a partition wall 411 protruding to a specified heightalong the rim of the plate part 410, and a flange 412 extending outwardalong the rim of the partition wall 411. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, the flange 412 may be attached to the rear plate 380 througha waterproof tape (e.g., waterproof tape 381 in FIG. 5B) that overlapsthe inner surface of the rear plate 380 and is disposed between theflange 412 and the rear plate 380. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the plate part 410 of the first cover 400 may include a first surface4101 facing the outside of the electronic device 300 and a secondsurface 4102 facing the internal space of the electronic device 300 in adirection opposite to the first surface 4101. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, the first cover 400 may include at least one through hole413 formed in the plate part 410. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the at least one through hole 413 may be formed at a position facing atleast one electronic component arranged in the internal space of theelectronic device 300. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the firstcover 400 may include at least one air vent 420 and 420′ connected fromthe first surface 4101 to the second surface 4102. In one embodiment ofthe disclosure, the at least one air vent 420 and 420′ may include afirst air vent 420 disposed at a designated position in the plate part410 of the first cover 400 and a second air vent 420′ disposed near thefirst air vent 420. The first air vent 420 and the second air vent 420′may have substantially the same structure. In a certain embodiment ofthe disclosure, the first air vent 420 and the second air vent 420′ mayhave different structures. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the atleast one air vent 420 and 420′ may block moisture and/or foreignsubstances introduced from the outside by use of a breathable waterproofmember 700 (e.g., breathable waterproof material) disposed on the secondsurface 4202. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the breathablewaterproof member 700 may include Gore-Tex, a waterproof nonwovenfabric, or a membrane. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the firstcover 400 may serve as a decorative member by exposing at least aportion of the partition wall 411 to the outside of the electronicdevice. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first cover 400 may bemade of a metal or a polymer (e.g., polycarbonate (PC)).

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the adhesive member 500 may bedisposed between the first cover 400 and the second cover 600, and mayinclude a non-adhesive region 513 formed at a position corresponding tothe at least one through hole 413 of the first cover 400. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive member 500 may include aconnection passage 510 disposed at a position corresponding to the atleast one air vent 420 and 420′ through another non-adhesive region. Theconnection passage 510 may be formed to have a structure, from at leasta portion between the second cover 600 and the partition wall 411 to theat least one air vent 420 and 420′, connected to the externalenvironment. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive member500 may include an adhesive tape having a specified thickness.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the second cover 600 may bedisposed by being seated on a seating portion 4111 formed on the platepart 410 through the partition wall 411 of the first cover 400. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the second cover 600 may be attached tothe seating portion 4111 of the first cover 400 through the adhesivemember 500, and may help to form the connection passage 510 through thefirst surface 4101 of the plate part 410 and the adhesive member 500. Inone embodiment of the disclosure, the second cover 600 may include awindow for inducing at least one electronic component to detect theexternal environment. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the secondcover 600 may be made of transparent or translucent glass or polymer.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device 300includes the at least one air vent 420 and 420′ having a structure forreducing the water pressure of incoming moisture and/or the connectionpassage 510 through a non-adhesive region of the adhesive member 500,which may contribute to the effective waterproof function by preventingdamage, such as tearing of the breathable waterproof member 700. At thesame time, the at least one air vent 420 and 420 and/or the connectionpassage 510 of the adhesive member 500 may ventilate the internal spaceof the electronic device 300 to the outside, contributing to reducingside effects caused by the air pressure difference.

Thereafter, a detailed description is given of the structure of theconnection passage 510 using the adhesive member 500 provided by theelectronic device 300 and the at least one air vent 420 and 420′connected to the connection passage 510.

FIG. 5A is a partial view of an electronic device including a connectionpassage of an adhesive member connected to air vents 420 and 420′according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5B is a partialcross-sectional view of an electronic device viewed from a line 5 b-5 bin FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the electronic device 300 may include arear plate 380 including an opening (e.g., opening 3801 in FIG. 4), afirst cover 400 disposed to close the opening 3801, and a second cover600 disposed on the first cover 400. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, the second cover 600 may be attached to the first cover 400through the adhesive member 500. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the first cover 400 may be attached to the rear plate 380 through awaterproof tape 381 disposed between the flange 412 and the innersurface of the rear plate 380.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device 300 mayinclude a connection passage 510 configured to connect the outside ofthe electronic device 300 and at least one air vent 420 and 420′ througha non-adhesive region of the adhesive member 500 disposed between thefirst cover 400 and the second cover 600. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, the connection passage 510 may include a first passage 5101connected to the outside, the second passage 5102 branching from aportion of the first passage 5101 and connected to the first air vent420, and a third passage 5103 branching from a portion of the firstpassage 5101 and connected to the second air vent 420′. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the second passage 5102 and the thirdpassage 5103 may branch from an end of the first passage 5101 at thesame position. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first passage5101 may be connected to the outside from a space between the partitionwall 411 of the first cover 400 and the second cover 600. Hence, airand/or moisture from the outside of the electronic device 300 may flowin through the first passage 5101 and may branch to the first air vent420 and the second air vent 420′ through the second passage 5102 and thethird passage 5103 having a branching structure. For example, moistureintroduced from the outside through the first passage 5101 may branch tothe second passage 5102 and the third passage 5103 having a branchingstructure, so that the water pressure can be reduced. This reduced waterpressure may help prevent damage to the breathable waterproof member(e.g., breathable waterproof member 700 in FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device viewedfrom a line 6-6 in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the structure of the first air vent connected tothe second passage is illustrated and described, but the structure ofthe second air vent connected to the third passage may also besubstantially the same.

Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device 300 may include a rear plate380 including an opening (e.g., opening 3801 in FIG. 4), a first cover400 disposed to close the opening 3801, and a second cover 600 disposedon the first cover 400. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the secondcover 600 may be attached to the first cover 400 through an adhesivemember 500. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first cover 400 maybe attached to the rear plate 380 through a waterproof tape 381 disposedbetween the flange 412 and the inner surface of the rear plate 380.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the first air vent 420 mayinclude a first space 421 formed to have a specified depth in adirection from the first surface 4101 of the plate part 410 of the firstcover 400 to the second surface (e.g., in a direction toward theinternal space of the electronic device), and a second space 422 formedto have a specified depth in a direction from the second surface to thefirst surface (e.g., in a direction toward the outside of the electronicdevice) and connected to the first space 421. In one embodiment of thedisclosure, the first space 421 may be disposed to partially overlap thesecond space 422 when the first surface 4101 is viewed from above. Inone embodiment of the disclosure, the first space 421 and the secondspace 422 may have a cross section of at least one of a circle, anellipse, or a polygon. For example, the first air vent 420 may help toreduce the water pressure of moisture flowing from the second passage5102 by means of a bent connection structure of the partiallyoverlapping first space 421 and second space 422, which can preventdamage to the breathable waterproof member 700, such as tearing.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of an electronic device illustrating aconnection passage structure of an adhesive member connected to an airvent according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the connection passage 520 formed through thenon-adhesive region of the adhesive member 500 disposed between thefirst cover 400 and the second cover 600 may have a branching structuredifferent from that of FIG. 5A. For example, the connection passage 520may include a first passage 5201 connected to the outside, the secondpassage 5202 branching from a portion of the first passage 5201 andconnected to the first air vent 420, and a third passage 5203 branchingfrom another portion of the first passage 5101 and connected to thesecond air vent 420′. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the firstpassage 5201 may be connected to a space between the partition wall 411of the first cover 400 exposed from the rear plate 380 and the secondcover 600. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the second passage 5202and the third passage 5203 may branch at different positions of thefirst passage 5201 and be connected respectively to the air vents 420and 420′. In a certain embodiment of the disclosure, when the electronicdevice 300 includes three or more air vents in the first cover 400, theconnection passage may be configured to have three or more passages eachbranching from the first passage.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are partial cross-sectional views of anelectronic device including an air vent according to various embodimentsof the disclosure.

In the description on FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E, components that aresubstantially the same as those of FIG. 6 are assigned the samereference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the electronic device 300 may include a rear plate380 including an opening (e.g., opening 3801 in FIG. 4), a first cover400 disposed to close the opening 3801, and a second cover 600 disposedon the first cover 400. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the secondcover 600 may be attached to the first cover 400 through an adhesivemember 500. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first cover 400 maybe attached to the rear plate 380 through a waterproof tape 381 disposedbetween the flange 412 and the inner surface of the rear plate 380.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the air vent 430 may include afirst space 431 formed to have a specified depth in a direction from thefirst surface 4101 of the plate part 410 of the first cover 400 to thesecond surface, a second space 432 formed to have a specified depth in adirection from the second surface 4102 to the first surface, and a thirdspace 433 connecting the first space 431 and the second space 432. Inthis case, the first space 431 may be disposed so as not to overlap thesecond space 432 when the first surface 4101 is viewed from above, andmay be spatially connected to the second space 432 through the thirdspace 433. Hence, the air vent 430 may help to reduce the water pressureof moisture flowing from the second passage 5102 by means of a bentconnection structure of the non-overlapping first space 431 and secondspace 432 and the third space 433 connecting them.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the air vent 440 may include a first space 441formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the first surface4101 of the plate part 410 of the first cover 400 to the second surface,a second space 442 formed to have a specified depth in a direction fromthe second surface 4102 to the first surface, and a third space 443connecting the first space 441 and the second space 442. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, when the first surface 4101 is viewed fromabove, the first space 441 may be disposed to overlap the second space442, and the third space 443 may be disposed at a position notoverlapping the first space 441 and the second space 442 between thefirst space 441 and the second space 442. In this case, the air vent 440may include a protrusion 4401 projecting in a direction toward the thirdspace 443 between the first space 441 and the second space 442. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the protrusion 4401 may provide a curvedstructure in which moisture flowing from the first space 441 through thesecond passage 5102 is not directly transferred to the second space 442but takes a detour through the third space 443, which can help reducethe water pressure. In a certain embodiment of the disclosure, the thirdspace 443 may be disposed to partially overlap the first space 441and/or the second space 442 when the first surface 4101 is viewed fromabove.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the air vent 450 may include a first space 451formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the first surface4101 of the plate part 410 of the first cover 400 to the second surface4102, a second space 452 formed to have a specified depth in a directionfrom the second surface 4102 to the first surface 4101, and pluralspaces 453, 454, and 455 connecting the first space 451 and the secondspace 452. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the plural spaces 453,454, and 455 may include a third space 453, a fourth space 454, and afifth space 455 formed sequentially in a direction from the first space451 to the second space 452. In one embodiment of the disclosure, thefirst space 451 may be disposed to overlap the second space 452 and thefourth space 454 when the first surface 4101 is viewed from above. Inone embodiment of the disclosure, the third space 453 may be disposed ata position not overlapping the first space 451 between the first space451 and the fourth space 454. In one embodiment of the disclosure, thefifth space 455 may be disposed at a position not overlapping the firstspace 451 between the fourth space 454 and the second space 452. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the air vent 450 may include a firstprotrusion 4501 projecting in a direction toward the third space 453between the first space 451 and the fourth space 454. In one embodimentof the disclosure, the air vent 450 may include a second protrusion 4502projecting in a direction toward the fourth space 454 between the thirdspace 453 and the fifth space 455. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the air vent 450 may include a third protrusion 4503 projecting in adirection toward the fifth space 455 between the fourth space 454 andthe second space 452. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first tothird protrusions 4501, 4502, and 4503 may provide a curved structure inwhich moisture flowing from the first space 451 through the secondpassage 5102 is not directly transferred to the second space 452 buttakes a detour multiple times through the third to fifth spaces 453,454, and 455, which can help reduce the water pressure. In a certainembodiment of the disclosure, the third space 453 and the fifth space455 may be disposed to partially overlap the first space 451 and/or thesecond space 452 when the first surface 4101 is viewed from above.

Referring to FIG. 8D, the air vent 460 may be formed as a space 461having a shape whose width (e.g., area) gradually increases as goingfrom the first surface 4101 of the first cover 400 to the second surface4102. In this case, the water pressure of moisture flowing into the airvent 460 through the second passage 5102 may be reduced due to thestructure whose width gradually widens, which may help to prevent damageto the breathable waterproof member 700.

Referring to FIG. 8E, the air vent 470 may further include protrusions4701 and 4702 extending inward in addition to the structure of the airvent 460 of FIG. 8D whose width gradually increases. For example, theair vent 470 may include a first space 471 formed to have a specifieddepth in a direction from the first surface 4101 of the plate part 410of the first cover 400 to the second surface 4102, a second space 472formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the second surface4102 to the first surface 4101, and a third 473 connecting the firstspace 471 and the second space 472 through the protrusions 4701 and4702. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the protrusions 4701 and 4702may be formed on the same virtual line or may be formed on differentvirtual lines. In one embodiment of the disclosure, because moistureflowing from the first space 471 through the second passage 5102 isguided to the second space 472 after the water pressure is reducedthrough the protrusions 4701 and 4702, the air vent 470 may help preventdamage to the breathable waterproof member 700.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic deviceincluding an air vent according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device 300 may include a rear plate380 including an opening (e.g., opening 3801 in FIG. 4), a first cover400 disposed to close the opening 3801, and a second cover 600 disposedon the first cover 400. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the secondcover 600 may be attached to the first cover 400 through an adhesivemember 500. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first cover 400 maybe attached to the rear plate 380 through a waterproof tape 381 disposedbetween the flange 412 and the inner surface of the rear plate 380.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the air vent 480 may be formedthrough the flange 412 of the first cover 400. In this case, the airvent 480 may be connected to the outside through a space between therear plate 380 and the first cover 400. In a certain embodiment of thedisclosure, the air vent 480 may be replaced with at least one of theair vents 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, and 470 having various configurationsformed on the plate part 410 of the first cover 400 described above. Inanother embodiment of the disclosure, the air vent 480 may beimplemented alone in the housing (e.g., front plate (e.g., front plate320 in FIG. 3) and/or rear plate 380) of the electronic device 300without the connection structure of a connection passage based on anadhesive member.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosureincludes an air vent having a structure for reducing the water pressureof moisture introduced from the outside to prevent damage to thebreathable waterproof member due to high water pressure, contributing toa smooth waterproof function and smooth inflow of outside air at thesame time.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device(e.g., the electronic device 300 in FIG. 4) may include a housing (e.g.,the housing 110 in FIG. 1) including an opening (e.g., an opening 3801in FIG. 4) connected to the internal space, a first cover (e.g., a firstcover 400 in FIG. 6) that is disposed in the housing to close theopening and includes a first surface (e.g., first surface 4101 in FIG.6) facing the outside and a second surface (e.g., a second surface 4102in FIG. 6) facing the internal space, at least one air vent (e.g., anair vent 420 in FIG. 6) that is formed from the first surface to thesecond surface in at least some region of the first cover to connect theoutside of the electronic device to the internal space, and includes afirst space (e.g., a first space 421) formed to have a specified depthin a direction from the first surface to the second surface and a secondspace (e.g., a second space 422 in FIG. 6) formed to have a specifieddepth in a direction from the second surface to the first surface,wherein the first space and the second space are connected so as topartially overlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when thefirst surface is viewed from above, and a breathable waterproof member(e.g., a breathable waterproof member 700 in FIG. 6) disposed to closethe second space in the second surface.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one third space (e.g., third space 433 in FIG.8A) connecting the first space and the second space between the firstspace and the second space.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the first space, the secondspace, and/or the at least one third space may be formed to have acircular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one protrusion (e.g., protrusion 4401 in FIG.8B) projecting in a direction toward at least one of the first space,the second space, or the third space.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent maybe formed to become wider as going in a direction from the first spaceto the second space.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device mayfurther include a second cover (e.g., second cover 600 of FIG. 6)disposed to cover the at least one air vent in the first surface of thefirst cover, and an adhesive member (e.g., adhesive member 500 in FIG.6) disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein theadhesive member may include a connection passage (e.g., connectionpassage 510 in FIG. 5A) connecting the at least one air vent and theoutside between the first cover and the second cover.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayinclude a first air vent (e.g., first air vent 420 in FIG. 5A) disposedat a designated position of the first cover and a second air vent (e.g.,second air vent 420′ in FIG. 5A) disposed near the first air vent.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the connection passage mayinclude a first passage (e.g., first passage 5101 in FIG. 5A) connectedto the outside, a second passage (e.g., second passage 5102 in FIG. 5A)branching from the first passage and connected to the first air vent,and a third passage (e.g., third passage 5103 in FIG. 5A) branching fromthe first passage and connected to the second air vent.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the second passage and thethird passage may branch from the same portion of the first passage.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the second passage and thethird passage may branch from different portions of the first passage.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the second cover may include awindow that induces at least one sensor module disposed in the internalspace to detect the external environment.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one sensor modulemay include a camera device (e.g., camera module 112 in FIG. 2) or anoptical system sensor (e.g., sensor module 119 in FIG. 2).

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the breathable waterproofmember may include at least one of Gore-Tex, a waterproof nonwovenfabric, or a membrane.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device mayfurther include a display (e.g., display 101 in FIG. 1) that is disposedin the internal space to be visible from the outside through at least aportion of the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic devicemay include a housing that includes a sealed internal space, a firstsurface in contact with the outside, and a second surface in contactwith the internal space, at least one air vent that is formed from thefirst surface to the second surface in at least some region of thehousing to connect the outside of the electronic device and the internalspace, and includes a first space formed to have a specified depth in adirection from the first surface to the second surface and a secondspace formed to have a specified depth in a direction from the secondsurface to the first surface, wherein the first space and the secondspace are connected so as to partially overlap each other or so as notto overlap each other when the first surface is viewed from above, and abreathable waterproof member disposed to close the second space in thesecond surface.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one third space connecting the first space andthe second space between the first space and the second space.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one protrusion projecting in a direction towardat least one of the first space, the second space, or the third space.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic devicemay include a housing that includes a front plate, a rear plate spacedapart from the front plate and including an opening, and a side framesurrounding an internal space between the front plate and the rearplate, at least one camera device arranged in the internal space, acover that is disposed on the rear plate to close the opening, andincludes a first surface facing the outside, a second surface facing theinternal space, and at least one through hole formed at a positioncorresponding to the at least one camera device, at least one air ventthat is formed from the first surface to the second surface in at leastsome region of the cover to connect the outside of the electronic deviceto the internal space, and includes a first space formed to have aspecified depth in a direction from the first surface to the secondsurface and a second space formed to have a specified depth in adirection from the second surface to the first surface, wherein thefirst space and the second space are connected so as to partiallyoverlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when the firstsurface is viewed from above, the at least one air vent including afirst air vent and a second air vent, a window attached to the coverthrough an adhesive tape to cover the at least one air vent, aconnection passage that is formed on the adhesive tape and connects theoutside of the electronic device to the at least one air vent through aspace between the window and the cover, and includes a first passageconnected to the outside, a second passage branching from the firstpassage and connected to the first air vent, and a third passagebranching from the first passage and connected to the second air vent,and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the second space inthe second surface.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one third space connecting the first space andthe second space between the first space and the second space.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the at least one air vent mayfurther include at least one protrusion projecting in a direction towardat least one of the first space, the second space, or the third space.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tovarious embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as definedby the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a housingincluding an opening; a first cover that is disposed in the housing toclose the opening and comprises a first surface facing an outside and asecond surface facing an internal space of the housing; at least one airvent that is formed from the first surface to the second surface in atleast some region of the first cover to connect the outside of theelectronic device to the internal space and comprises: a first spaceformed to have a specified depth in a direction from the first surfaceto the second surface; and a second space formed to have a specifieddepth in a direction from the second surface to the first surface,wherein the first space and the second space are connected so as topartially overlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when thefirst surface is viewed from above; and a breathable waterproof memberdisposed to close the second space in the second surface.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one air vent furthercomprises at least one third space connecting the first space and thesecond space between the first space and the second space.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 2, wherein the first space, the second space,and/or the at least one third space are formed to have a circular,elliptical, or polygonal cross-section.
 4. The electronic device ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one air vent further comprises at leastone protrusion projecting in a direction toward at least one of thefirst space, the second space, or the at least one third space.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one air vent isformed to become wider as going in a direction from the first space tothe second space.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second cover disposed to cover the at least one air ventin the first surface of the first cover; and an adhesive member disposedbetween the first cover and the second cover, wherein the adhesivemember includes a connection passage connecting the outside and the atleast one air vent between the first cover and the second cover.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 6, wherein the at least one air ventcomprises a first air vent disposed at a designated position of thefirst cover and a second air vent disposed near the first air vent. 8.The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the connection passagecomprises: a first passage connected to the outside; a second passagebranching from the first passage and connected to the first air vent;and a third passage branching from the first passage and connected tothe second air vent.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein thesecond passage and the third passage branch from an identical portion ofthe first passage.
 10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein thesecond passage and the third passage branch from different portions ofthe first passage.
 11. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein thesecond cover comprises a window that induces at least one sensor moduledisposed in the internal space to detect an external environment. 12.The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensormodule comprises a camera device or an optical system sensor.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the breathable waterproof membercomprises at least one of Gore-Tex, a waterproof nonwoven fabric, or amembrane.
 14. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising adisplay that is disposed in the internal space to be visible from theoutside through at least a portion of the housing.
 15. An electronicdevice comprising: a housing that comprises a sealed internal space, afirst surface in contact with an outside, and a second surface incontact with the internal space; at least one air vent that is formedfrom the first surface to the second surface in at least some region ofthe housing to connect the outside of the electronic device and theinternal space and comprises: a first space formed to have a specifieddepth in a direction from the first surface to the second surface; and asecond space formed to have a specified depth in a direction from thesecond surface to the first surface, wherein the first space and thesecond space are connected so as to partially overlap each other or soas not to overlap each other when the first surface is viewed fromabove; and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the secondspace in the second surface.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15,wherein the at least one air vent further comprises at least one thirdspace connecting the first space and the second space between the firstspace and the second space.
 17. The electronic device of claim 16,wherein the at least one air vent further comprises at least oneprotrusion projecting in a direction toward at least one of the firstspace, the second space, or the at least one third space.
 18. Anelectronic device comprising: a housing that includes a front plate, arear plate spaced apart from the front plate and including an opening,and a side frame surrounding an internal space between the front plateand the rear plate; at least one camera device arranged in the internalspace; a cover that is disposed on the rear plate to close the openingand comprises a first surface facing an outside, a second surface facingthe internal space, and at least one through hole formed at a positioncorresponding to the at least one camera device; at least one air ventthat is formed from the first surface to the second surface in at leastsome region of the cover to connect the outside of the electronic deviceto the internal space and comprises: a first space formed to have aspecified depth in a direction from the first surface to the secondsurface; and a second space formed to have a specified depth in adirection from the second surface to the first surface, wherein thefirst space and the second space are connected so as to partiallyoverlap each other or so as not to overlap each other when the firstsurface is viewed from above, the at least one air vent including afirst air vent and a second air vent; a window attached to the coverthrough an adhesive tape to cover the at least one air vent; aconnection passage that is formed on the adhesive tape and connects theoutside of the electronic device to the at least one air vent through aspace between the window and the cover and comprises: a first passageconnected to the outside; a second passage branching from the firstpassage and connected to the first air vent; and a third passagebranching from the first passage and connected to the second air vent;and a breathable waterproof member disposed to close the second space inthe second surface.
 19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein theat least one air vent further comprises at least one third spaceconnecting the first space and the second space between the first spaceand the second space.
 20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein theat least one air vent further comprises at least one protrusionprojecting in a direction toward at least one of the first space, thesecond space, or the at least one third space.